Natural stone tile is cut directly from quarried stone, such as marble, granite, travertine, slate, or limestone, rather than manufactured from clay. Because each slab comes from nature, no two tiles are ever perfectly identical, which is exactly what makes natural stone so prized. This guide covers the main types of natural stone, where each works best, and how to keep it looking its best. See our full Tile Glossary for more material definitions.
Types of Natural Stone Tile
- Marble: Dramatic veining and a luxurious look, popular for bathrooms and backsplashes. Relatively soft and porous, prone to staining and etching if not sealed.
- Granite: Dense and hard-wearing with a speckled, crystalline look. Highly scratch- and heat-resistant, popular for countertops and heavy-traffic floors.
- Travertine: A textured, porous stone with a warm, earthy look, often used for floors, patios, and pool surrounds.
- Slate: Dense and naturally textured with rich color variation, popular for floors and outdoor applications thanks to its slip resistance.
- Limestone: Soft and uniform with a subtle, matte look, like marble, porous and sensitive to acidic substances.
Natural Stone Finishes
- Polished: A high-gloss, reflective shine that highlights color and veining.
- Honed: A smooth, matte finish, a softer look with better slip resistance than polished stone.
- Tumbled: Softened edges and a matte surface, giving stone an aged, rustic character.
Where Natural Stone Tile Works Best
Marble and travertine are popular in bathrooms for their luxurious look, though sealing is essential in wet areas. Slate and travertine offer natural slip resistance and durability outdoors on patios and pool decks. Natural stone's texture also makes it a popular choice for fireplace surrounds and accent walls.
Pros and Cons of Natural Stone Tile
Pros: Truly one-of-a-kind appearance, adds value and visual appeal, wide range of colors and textures, some varieties (granite, slate) are extremely durable.
Cons: More expensive than manufactured tile, most types require regular sealing, softer stones scratch and stain more easily, heavier and more labor-intensive to install.
Caring for Natural Stone Tile
- Seal at installation and reseal periodically (often annually) to maintain stain resistance.
- Avoid acidic cleaners, vinegar or lemon-based products can etch and dull marble and limestone. Use a pH-neutral stone cleaner instead.
- Wipe up spills promptly, especially on porous stone.
- Sweep floors regularly, since grit can scratch softer stone underfoot over time.
See our Cleaning Blog for a full natural stone sealing schedule.
The Bottom Line
Natural stone tile offers a level of beauty manufactured tile can't fully replicate, though it takes more care and maintenance. Explore Belk Tile's natural stone collection or browse the full Tile Glossary.
